Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 44
Photo Credit : Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
South and North Three-story Stone Pagodas and Stone Lantern of Borimsa Temple
(Jangheung, Jeollanam-do)
🏯 1. Twin Pagodas of Serenity
In the tranquil valley of Borimsa Temple in Jangheung stand two graceful stone pagodas — the South and North Three-story Pagodas, accompanied by a Stone Lantern that illuminates the space between them.
Built during the late Unified Silla period (9th century), these monuments reflect the harmony and simplicity that define Silla’s mature stone architecture.
They once stood at the heart of a grand temple courtyard, where light, stone, and faith formed a perfect balance.
Even now, surrounded by mountains and silence, the twin pagodas seem to breathe together — two hearts sharing one devotion.
🪨 2. Structure and Artistic Composition
Each pagoda rises from a two-tiered square base, supporting three proportionally diminishing stories above.
The form is precise and symmetrical, demonstrating the Silla artisans’ mastery of proportion and spiritual symbolism.
The roof stones curve gently upward, giving the impression of lift and grace. The pagodas’ simplicity — free from excessive ornamentation — expresses the Buddhist ideal of truth through clarity.
Between them stands a stone lantern (seokdeung), its circular pedestal and lotus-carved base radiating serenity.
In Buddhist tradition, light represents wisdom dispelling ignorance, and thus the lantern’s placement between the pagodas signifies enlightenment uniting duality.
Together, the three structures form a perfect triangle — earth, light, and spirit.
🌄 3. The Meaning of Dual Harmony
The twin pagodas of Borimsa embody the Buddhist concept of balance: the union of wisdom and compassion, form and emptiness, strength and gentleness.
Their mirrored symmetry suggests duality resolved in unity — an architectural meditation on the middle path.
The stone lantern between them serves as the guiding light of understanding, illuminating both sides equally.
In this way, the entire composition becomes a spiritual mandala in stone, a reminder that enlightenment is not found in one or the other, but in harmony between both.
🌿 4. Preservation and Legacy
Though more than a millennium has passed, the South and North Three-story Pagodas and Stone Lantern of Borimsa Temple remain remarkably intact.
Their surfaces bear the marks of time, yet their lines are as graceful as when first carved.
Designated National Treasure No. 44, they are among the finest surviving examples of late Silla stone architecture, representing both artistic refinement and profound faith.
Today, visitors who stand before them often feel a sense of calm balance — as if the stones themselves still radiate the quiet wisdom of Silla.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“Two pagodas stand apart, yet share one light.
Between stone and silence,
a single flame reminds us —
that harmony is not found in sameness,
but in the space that connects.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal